Taste France's Finest

The French are well known for their sophisticated tastes—and there’s no better way to get a sense of this than by touring the country’s richest wine regions. First on the route is Champagne, just a short trip from Paris and home to the famous sparkling wine. Here you’ll find some of the country’s finest champagne houses and cellars, including the exquisite Moët & Chandon, encompassing the region’s most expansive estates. Also take some time to visit Champagne’s historical jewels, such as the Gothic-style Reims Cathedral, which bears stories of both wars and coronations. Next on the trail is Burgundy, marked by charming Renaissance châteaux, medieval abbeys and family-owned wineries. Visit the vast vineyards of Côte de Beaune, explore cellars dating back centuries and sample a variety of superior wines. Cap your wine expedition with a visit to the beguiling town of Bordeaux in the south of France, where you could take up a specialized workshop in the art of wine appreciation, or visit a vaulted cellar for an epicurean session of wine and cheese tasting. Bordeaux is also noted for its neoclassical architecture and world-class museums—not to be missed.